1971 Map of Mahala Creek West

About this map

Humboldt National Forest and the Independence Mountains dominate this high-desert ranching landscape in northern Nevada. The survey details the vital water management systems of the era, centered around the Saval Ranch and its supporting infrastructure like Saval Reservoir and Ross Reservoir. The network of seasonal drainages including Pie Creek, Mahala Creek, and Gance Creek are punctuated by numerous groundwater sources, such as Warm Springs, Van Wyper Spring, and Italian Spring. This region's utility for livestock and local industry is evident through the scattered Prospect markers and the Jeep trails that navigate between the Jim Hills and Spaghetti Canyon. The map preserves a moment when remote Nevada ranching relied on these specific springs and canyons before later land-use changes.